In a recent study conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a startling revelation has come to light: only 18% of professionals equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) skills have practical experience utilizing this technology. PMI, a globally recognized organization in project management, released this insightful research, indicating a significant gap between AI knowledge and hands-on application in the professional world.
This research underscores the pressing need for professionals to bridge the gap between theoretical AI proficiency and practical experience. As AI continues to reshape industries and businesses worldwide, it is vital for professionals to embrace, implement, and leverage AI, machine learning (ML), and generative AI (GenAI).
PMI’s Commitment to AI Empowerment
PMI is proactively empowering project professionals worldwide to embrace AI and other cutting-edge technologies. The organization is keen on providing tools, resources, and learning opportunities to enable project professionals to integrate AI into their practices effectively.
One notable initiative is launching a free introductory online course, ‘ Generative AI Overview for Project Managers.’ This course aims to equip project professionals with a foundational understanding of generative AI and its potential applications in project management. PMI emphasizes balancing AI-powered technology and the essential human touch in project management.
The Impact of Power Skills
PMI’s research indicates that organizations prioritizing ‘power skills’ tend to excel in completing projects that align with their business objectives. These organizations also report lower investment wastage due to subpar project performance compared to the global average. It’s worth noting that organizations giving a high priority to ‘power skills’ waste only 4.8 percent of their investments, while organizations that prioritize them less waste significantly more at 8.8 percent.
According to McKinsey, AI and GenAI have the potential to automate a substantial portion of work activities, potentially freeing up 60 to 70 percent of employees’ time. However, these technologies cannot replace the indispensable interpersonal skills that project managers bring. Communication, problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and strategic thinking, referred to as “power skills” by PMI, remain vital for the success of projects.
PMI’s Vision for Project Professionals
PMI’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) expressed optimism regarding the transformative potential of AI. He believes that project professionals, with their inherent qualities as natural learners, problem solvers, and innovators, are uniquely positioned to lead the AI-driven transformation of organizations.
To seize this opportunity, PMI encourages project professionals to prioritize continuous learning. They emphasize the significance of keeping pace with the latest developments in AI technology. PMI offers an ‘Artificial Intelligence in Project Management Resource Center’ on PMI.org, designed to serve as the go-to destination for project professionals navigating this new era of efficiency and growth.
The resource center offers AI insights, learning opportunities, and ongoing updates with new findings, thought leadership, industry analysis, academic research, and community-contributed content. The information is sourced from various data providers, including PMI’s academic and enterprise partners and millions of project professionals.
Preparing for the AI Future
As AI increasingly integrates into project management, PMI advises professionals to embrace experimentation with these new tools and connect with peers to learn from their experiences. To facilitate this transition, PMI is reimagining how professionals can strike a balance between AI and human ingenuity at their annual event, the PMI Global Summit, scheduled for October 25-28 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
In conclusion, PMI’s research emphasizes the critical need for professionals to translate their theoretical AI knowledge into practical expertise. Integrating AI into project management practices is essential with AI poised to revolutionise industries. PMI’s commitment to equipping professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge positions them to lead the AI-driven transformation in their organizations.
